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Kent State University has undertaken a bold initiative to provide more incoming freshmen a significant increase in merit scholarships to ease the financial burden on successful students who see the university as their first choice for college.

The additional financial support follows a year in which Kent State’s incoming class boasted a highest-ever GPA and the second-largest enrollment of incoming freshman.

“We want to ease the financial burden on families so that we can continue to bring in the best of the best” said Kent State President Lester A. Lefton. “These merit scholarships send the message that we recognize the hard work students have put in during high school and we want them to succeed with their first choice to attend Kent State.”

To be considered for incoming freshmen scholarships at the Kent Campus, prospective students must submit a complete application for admission (including high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores and application fee) by Jan. 15.

“We understand families are struggling to afford college, therefore, we are increasing merit aid for students who have worked hard to earn good grades,” said T. David Garcia, Kent State’s associate vice president for enrollment management. “Sometimes, students forgo social events with their peers because of a big exam or a big project that is due. We want to recognize their sacrifice with a larger freshman scholarship because they have earned it.”

More than $31 million in merit scholarships have already been offered to 6,328 incoming freshman compared to $24 million offered to 5,766 students last year during this same period.

University leaders anticipate making a few more rounds of scholarship offers for those who apply before the deadline.